Facing a 17-point first-half deficit, it looked like No. 17 Xavier might get run off its home floor on Wednesday night against No. 14 Villanova.
The Musketeers battled back and nearly pulled it off. Villanova held on for a 64-60 win that moves the Musketeers to 12-3 overall and 2-2 in the Big East.
Xavier had a chance to tie the game with under 30 seconds left. Following a pair of free throws from Jack Nunge that made it a 60-58 Villanova lead, the Wildcats turned the ball over at the other end of the floor.
Xavier took a timeout with 29.